Ball Pit Divers

Large rubber toys are hidden as treasures in the homemade ball pit, and children take turns in fours diving in to find them with hands and feet. It builds body awareness, touch and orientation inside an enveloping space.

How to play

1. Explain the game beside the pool (mats standing on edge with another mat on the bottom) and show the treasures before hiding them (2 min).
2. Groups of 4 inside: first, “swim” sitting down, moving arms and legs through the balls (3 min).
3. Search for treasures with hands only, without looking, and drop them in a basket outside (3 min).
4. Search with feet: when you feel one, pull it out with your hands (3 min).
5. Children waiting outside are lifeguards: they count the treasures and cheer the divers on (3 min).
6. Everyone climbs out and shakes off the balls like wet puppies (1 min).

Rules

• Inside the pool, sit or lie down; never stand and jump.
• The balls stay in the pool; no throwing.
• When the lifeguard says “Out!”, climb out slowly.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: an adult helps the child sit inside with back support, or brings a box of balls and treasures to the table.
• Autism or sensory sensitivity: let the child try with just their arms from outside and climb in when ready.
• Visual impairment: very well suited; describe the treasure and say where the edges are.

Learning goals

• Explore whole-body sensations surrounded by balls.
• Recognize objects by touch with hands and feet.
• Wait for a turn and follow safety rules.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Ball pit balls: 200
• Mats: 5
• Large rubber toys: 10

Teacher tip

Always keep an adult by the pool and no more than four children inside. Check for cracked or sharp balls, and make sure the treasures are large.

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